Was Aaron a Messenger?

In a previous article, we explored the distinction in the Quran between a prophet (nabi) and a messenger (rasul). In summary, a prophet is given scripture, while a messenger confirms and delivers God’s message to the people. This means that every prophet was a messenger, but not every messenger was a prophet.

Yet some claim that Aaron was a prophet who was not a messenger. The Quran clearly states that Aaron was a prophet and was given the scripture along with Moses.

19:53 And we granted him (Moses), out of our mercy, his brother Aaron as a prophet.

وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥ مِن رَّحْمَتِنَآ أَخَاهُ هَـٰرُونَ نَبِيًّا

21:48  We gave Moses and Aaron the Statute Book, a beacon, and a reminder for the righteous.

وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا مُوسَىٰ وَهَـٰرُونَ ٱلْفُرْقَانَ وَضِيَآءً وَذِكْرًا لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ